BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A double by striker Alphonso Murray set the pace for SDP FC to draw first blood in the first of the Final Four First Division match on Saturday evening (June 4), when they defeated Trafalgar South Stars FC three goals to two.
The match, which was played at the Newtown Playfield, started at a very fast pace with both teams executing brilliant passes and strong defences.
However, Murray proved that no defence is impenetrable when he found the back of Trafalgar nets in the 23rd minute.
Just 10 minutes later, SDP fans were again celebrating as Murray saw an opening and capitalised on a weak defensive tactic by Trafalgar after receiving a beautiful cross from the right flank.
With just 11 minutes remaining in the first half, SDP struck again; this time it was Vincent Warner, who sent the fans in overdrive as they ran around the ground shouting and chanting in jubilation.
As the whistle blew to signal the end of the first half, it seemed a foregone conclusion that SDP could not be stopped with their three-goal advantage.
But that thought was eradicated as Trafalgar South Stars looked a rejuvenated team out to make amends for earlier mistakes.
This they did, as Akim Phillip sent the ball flying past the goalkeeper in the 55th minute of the game.
A now highly motivated and energetic Trafalgar kept pressing their opponent, whose lackluster performance produced only a shadow of their enthusiasm demonstrated in the first half.
Trafalgar dominated the entire second half with a trilling performance, which earned them a second goal through Joel Chung in the 72nd minute.
Visualising an equaliser that would eventually lead to extra time or a penalty shootout, Trafalgar launched an all-out attack but were unsuccessful in their bid, losing the match 2-3.
SDPFC will now be looking to be promoted to the Premier League should they gain similar success in their remaining three matches.
